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EE Full Fibre 74 Review: The Sweet Spot for Smaller Homes?
We get it—the world of broadband is obsessed with gigabit speeds. But what if you don’t need to download a 100GB game in minutes? What if you just want a connection that doesn’t buffer when you’re watching Netflix, lag on your Zoom calls, or make you the “frozen screen” person in meetings?
Enter EE Full Fibre 74. It’s not the fastest plan on the market, but it might be one of the smartest for millions of households. As the entry point to EE’s full fibre network, it promises a solid 74Mbps download speed—but does it deliver consistent reliability, and is it truly good value?
After analysing current market data and performance trends, here’s everything you need to know before you sign up.
EE Broadband
Powered by BT With Great Hardware
✅ You crave blistering speeds (1.6Gbps is overkill, but future-proof).
✅ Gaming or WFH is non-negotiable (hello, Game Mode!).
✅ You value quick customer support and low complaint rates.
EE Full Fibre 74 Speed Comparison Tool
What this means for you:
Speed & Performance: Reliable, Not Revolutionary
Key Stats
| Metric | EE Full Fibre 74 | BT Full Fibre 67 | Vodafone Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | 74Mbps | 67Mbps | 73Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 20Mbps | 19Mbps | 18Mbps |
| Speed Guarantee | 50Mbps | 47Mbps | 50Mbps |
Real-World Performance
- Typical Speeds: Most users experience 70-74Mbps during standard usage
- Peak Hour Performance: Minimal drop-off (5-8% reduction vs. 15-20% on older copper lines)
- Upload Consistency: 18-20Mbps uploads—perfect for video calls and sharing large files
Who Actually Needs 74Mbps?
✅ 1-3 person households
✅ Simultaneous HD streaming on 2-3 devices
✅ Regular video calling and moderate file downloads
❌ 4K streaming on multiple TVs simultaneously
❌ Heavy gaming with large file downloads
❌ Homes with 5+ connected devices active at once
What Can You Do with 74Mbps?
Plan Breakdown: Straightforward Pricing
Plan Comparison
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Contract Length | Setup Fee | Included Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE Full Fibre 74 | £25.99 | 24 months | £0 | Smart Hub Plus, UK call packages |
| EE Full Fibre 74 with Extra | £31.99 | 24 months | £0 | Smart Hub Plus, UK call packages, cybersecurity |
Important Pricing Note: Like most providers, EE implements an annual price increase each March 31st, typically around £4. This means your monthly cost will rise after your first year.
Mobile Discount: EE mobile customers can save up to £5/month on their broadband bill through the EE Smart Benefits program.
Price Comparison – How EE Full Fibre 74 Stacks Up
| Provider | Plan Speed | Monthly Cost | Contract | Setup Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE | 74Mbps | £25.99 | 24 months | £0 |
| BT | 67Mbps | £29.99 | 24 months | £0 |
| Vodafone | 73Mbps | £27.00 | 24 months | £0 |
| Sky | 61Mbps | £28.00 | 18 months | £5 |
Router & Setup: The Smart Hub Plus Advantage
Smart Hub Plus Features:
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: More efficient than older Wi-Fi 5 routers
- Coverage: Suitable for 2-3 bedroom homes
- Smart Setup: Easy installation via the EE app
- Built-in Cybersecurity: Basic protection included
Setup Process:
- Standard Installation: 10-14 day wait for engineer visit
- Self-Install Option: Available in some areas
- Wi-Fi Guarantee: EE promises to help fix connectivity issues
Customer Service: EE’s Crown Jewel
Ofcom Complaint Data (2023)
| Provider | Complaints per 100k Users | Resolution Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|
| EE | 8 | 92% |
| Vodafone | 11 | 85% |
| Sky | 9 | 89% |
Support Channels:
- UK-Based Call Centers: 24/7 availability
- Online Chat: Average 5-minute wait times
- EE App: Comprehensive troubleshooting tools
- Community Forum: Peer-to-peer support
EE Broadband
Powered by BT With Great Hardware
✅ You crave blistering speeds (1.6Gbps is overkill, but future-proof).
✅ Gaming or WFH is non-negotiable (hello, Game Mode!).
✅ You value quick customer support and low complaint rates.
Verdict: Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Choose EE 74
Choose EE Full Fibre 74 if:
✅ You’re a single person or a couple in a flat/small house
✅ You value reliable customer service above absolute speed
✅ You’re an EE mobile customer (discounts apply)
✅ You want predictable performance for work and entertainment
Consider alternatives if:
❌ You have 4+ heavy internet users at home
❌ You regularly download large games or 4K content
❌ You want the absolute cheapest broadband available
❌ You’re uncomfortable with annual price increases
Final Thoughts
EE’s Full Fibre 74 is the reliable hatchback of broadband – it won’t win drag races, but it gets your entire family where they need to go without any fuss. The consistent 74Mbps speed and robust Smart Hub Plus router make it a solid, no-nonsense choice for streaming and working from home.
While the £26.99/month price is competitive, Vodafone often undercuts it, and the annual CPI+3.9% price increase is a sting in the tail. However, for EE mobile customers, the £6/month discount makes it one of the market’s best-value deals for this speed.
My take: Go for EE Full Fibre 74 if you’re a small to medium household that values reliability and you’re already on an EE mobile plan. If you’re a heavier user or see your family growing, spending £5-6 more for the 150Mbps plan is a smart future-proofing move.
Still torn? Compare all fibre deals here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 74Mbps fast enough for working from home?
Absolutely. With 74Mbps, you can comfortably:
- Run 2-3 simultaneous Zoom/Teams calls in HD
- Download large files while streaming music
- Back up data to cloud services
- Support other users browsing simultaneously
What happens if my speed drops below the 50Mbps guarantee?
EE’s minimum speed guarantee means:
- Report the issue via the EE app or website
- They have 30 days to investigate and resolve
- If unresolved, you can leave without early termination fees
- Pro tip: Always test speeds via ethernet connection for accurate results
Can I use my own router with EE Full Fibre?
Yes, but you might lose some benefits:
- The EE Smart Hub Plus is optimized for their network
- Built-in cybersecurity features may not work with third-party routers
- Wi-Fi guarantee only applies to their provided equipment
How does the annual price increase work?
Like most providers, EE increases prices each March by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) + 3.9%. For 2024, this meant a £4-5 monthly increase. This applies to all customers, regardless of when they joined.
Is there a setup fee for new customers?
Typically no—EE frequently runs promotions with free setup (normally £30). However, always check the current terms as promotions change regularly.
What’s the difference between EE and BT full fibre?
Though both use BT Group infrastructure:
- EE often offers slightly better value for similar speeds
- BT includes more comprehensive cybersecurity features standard
- EE provides discounts for mobile customers
- Customer service experiences are similarly rated
Can I get a static IP address with this plan?
No, static IP addresses are only available on EE’s business broadband plans. For most home users, dynamic IP addresses work perfectly fine.
What happens if I move house during my contract?
EE allows you to transfer your service if:
- They can provide service at your new address
- You may need to pay a £30 transfer fee
- If service isn’t available, you can leave without penalty
- Always check availability before moving
